Clark Fork closed from Reserve to Kona for safety

MISSOULA - A section of the Clark Fork is closed to all recreation access due to dangerous debris, downed power lines and high waters.

A press release from Missoula County says the closure will stay in effect while emergency officials try to remove the power lines and wait for waters to recede.

The Clark Fork hit its highest levels in a century earlier over the weekend, at more than 14 feet high.

Flooding is expected to continue for weeks as record-high snowpack melts.

Dozens of homes were evacuated and thousands more are on evacuation warning along the Clark Fork and Bitterroot rivers. On Monday afternoon, some evacuated residents were allowed to return to check on their homes.

From Missoula County's press release:

Incident Command recommended the closure for public safety after flood waters tipped power poles into the Clark Fork on Sunday. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks says the closure will remain in effect while power lines and other river debris continue to create unsafe conditions.

The closure applies to all water-based recreation, including, but not limited to: wading, swimming, fishing, floating and boating. More information on FWP river access site closures and restrictions is online at fwp.mt.gov/news/restrictions/.

Montana lawmakers and conservation groups say time is running out for Congress to reauthorize a program that uses offshore drilling royalties to pay for land conservation and outdoor recreational projects across...

Montana lawmakers and conservation groups say time is running out for Congress to reauthorize a program that uses offshore drilling royalties to pay for land conservation and outdoor recreational projects across the nation.

ENNIS -Two fires burning near Ennis are prompting evacuations in the area. The Wigwam Fire was discovered in the early evening on August 11, and it quickly grew to 100 acres by Sunday morning. Just south of the Wigwam Fire is the Monument Fire, which is burning about 18 miles southwest of Cameron in the north part of the Gravelly Mountains.

ENNIS -Two fires burning near Ennis are prompting evacuations in the area. The Wigwam Fire was discovered in the early evening on August 11, and it quickly grew to 100 acres by Sunday morning. Just south of the Wigwam Fire is the Monument Fire, which is burning about 18 miles southwest of Cameron in the north part of the Gravelly Mountains.